Elzima Hines, a 23-year-old male student at Texas Southern University, tragically lost his life on April 7, 2019, in Houston, Texas. Hines was born on August 24, 1995, and was known to be a kind and friendly individual who did not carry weapons. His death was the result of a violent incident involving Shanden Powell, a 24-year-old man who was out on bond for an armed robbery of a Payless Shoe Store in Houston's Third Ward in 2018.
On the day of the incident, Powell contacted Hines via
Snapchat under the username "KillerPowell5" to arrange a purchase of marijuana. Hines agreed to meet Powell at his apartment near the university while he was playing video games with friends. Surveillance footage showed Powell arriving at the apartment complex and leaving with a gaming device, indicating that he had shot Hines before taking his marijuana and PlayStation.
Powell was later arrested and charged with murder and aggravated robbery. In December 2022, he pleaded guilty to both charges and was sentenced to 45 years in prison for the murder and 40 years for the robbery, with both sentences to run concurrently. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg condemned Powell's actions, especially considering he was out on bond at the time of the crime.
The case highlighted the serious issue of gun crime and the need for stricter measures to prevent such tragedies. Hines's family and friends continue to mourn his loss, and his memory lives on through the love and support of those who knew him.
